Think Mauritius and the mind undoubtedly conjures up visions of gently lapping waves, idyllic beaches, and a dramatic mountainous backdrop — and you wouldn’t be wrong. Located in the Indian Ocean, just east of Madagascar, Mauritius is a volcanic, tropical island that comes with drama and beauty in abundance. Small but perfectly formed, it’s a fascinating melting pot of cultures, faiths, languages, landscapes, diverse marine life, and cuisines – the latter of which the island has become renowned for. So where to stay and experience the best of this bucket list-worthy island? Well, it has to be the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius.

Located at Anahita on the east coast, this Four Seasons outpost is set against the Bambou Mountains and is a sweeping resort spanning 64 acres of lush gardens studded with proud palm and banyan trees. There’s also an 11-acre private island, Ile aux Chats, connected by a bridge with open views over a huge lagoon, along with three pristine beaches.

Impressive in stature, the resort offers 90 one- and two-bedroom villas and 45 private retreats that range from two to five bedrooms, ideal for larger families. For unadulterated luxury, the pièce de resistance is the 7,114 square foot Royal Island Sanctuary on Ile aux Chats, which promises panoramic sea views, five bedrooms, five full bathrooms (complete with freestanding bathtubs), and two private swimming pools.

At Four Seasons Resort Mauritius, indoor-outdoor living is the order of the day, with the all-pool villa design making the most of the hotel’s surroundings with floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor lounge spaces. After all, if you’ve got it, flaunt it, so expect landscaped terraces, secluded al fresco rain showers, impressively private walled gardens, and infinity-edge plunge pools that just call for a floating breakfast tray (the attentive staff are all too happy to provide — and it’s highly recommended).

If you prefer your meals to take place on dry land, the resort boasts seven bars and restaurants to cater for all tastebuds and moods. Food is at the heart of Mauritian culture and draws influence from around the world so there’s a range of cuisines on-site, including Mauritian, Creole, Indian and Italian. First up, for breakfast (it’s an impressive spread), al fresco lunches, and dinner there’s Bambou, a laidback beach and poolside eatery.

There’s also Lazy Fish on Bambou Beach, which is, you’ve guessed it, the destination for fresh seafood and a real celebration of the island’s culture, with happiness and hospitality aplenty. If you’re lucky you may catch traditional Mauritian singing and dancing on the beach, which is teamed with authentic local dishes, such as mahi mahi and rum-flambéed lobster, and fun, punchy rum cocktails.

For contemporary Italian dishes, Acquapazza is a stylish open-air restaurant led by Michelin-star chef Marco Garfagnini, serving up hits including risotto, spaghetti, pizza, and seafood (be sure to leave room for the deconstructed tiramisu). Upper Cut, meanwhile, appeals to carnivores with its grilled meats and seafood inspired by slow-cooking traditions, accompanied by farm-to-fork salads while, at Chatkar, an modern Indian menu offers everything from tandoori octopus salad and paneer to biryanis, dal, and curry. Wherever you decide to eat, be sure to start each evening at Blu’Zil, the lagoon-front bar and lounge. With its sweeping views and extensive cocktail menu, it’s a buzzy spot to take in the golden pink-hued sunset.

So how to build up an appetite for all this foodie indulgence? A dedicated concierge is on hand to help organise on-site experiences, as well as local tours and day trips, or completely bespoke itineraries with serious ‘wow’ factor. At the hotel, try your hand at tennis, take a cycling tour of the resort, learn authentic Mauritian dishes with a private cooking class in the herb garden, or enjoy yoga on the beach or in the scenic yoga pavilion. Water babies, meanwhile, should take advantage of glass bottom boat tours, windsurfing, and waterskiing, or for a truly memorable experience, book a sunset catamaran cruise and take in the sights from the ocean.

There’s a complimentary kids’ club for children aged four to nine, as well as a specially curated programme for teens, while guests are encouraged to explore the island and discover must-sees such as Tamarind Falls, the sacred lake of Ganga Talao, and the historic Tea Route. For a full day out, head to Île aux Cerfs, a small island a short boat ride from the Four Seasons Mauritius, which is ideal for lazy beach days and long lunches. Book a speed boat for an exhilarating experience or take in a round of golf at the championship Île aux Cerfs Golf Club. Golf fans should also check out the nearby Anahita Golf Club (resort guests receive preferential rates at both).

Alternatively, enlist the expertise of resort ocean environment manager, Rick Bonnier, and work up a sweat with a guided and utterly fascinating hike up Beau Champ Mountain to learn all about the flora and fauna native to the area. Book ahead and you can even arrange for a luxurious picnic to await you at the top, complete with incredible views over Mauritius. Bonnier also hosts regular guided snorkelling sessions to help guests experience the island’s diverse marine life — although you need only paddle into the shallows to spot the resident seahorses.

It goes without saying, of course, that the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita is also home to an impressive, award-winning spa. Set on wooden pillars above the lagoon and surrounded by tropical vegetation, it is a romantic, serene setting that evokes an immediate sense of tranquility. A treatment menu inspired by traditional African healing practices incorporates ingredients from the spa’s very own garden, such as aloe vera, lemongrass and coconut. A must-try is the Mauritian Fusion massage, which combines meridian therapy, reflexology and traditional Swedish massage, while a host of high-tech facials are also on offer.

Synonymous with luxury and top-notch service, the hospitality experience at Four Seasons Resort Mauritius combines with the warm and welcoming nature of this special island to create a showcase of the best of Mauritian culture. If it’s long-lasting memories you’re after, this is the perfect place to make them.

Rooms from £625 per night, visit fourseasons.com

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